Longyearbyen Travel Guide

A comprehensive guide to Longyearbyen, Norway, including a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, activities and tours, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, and more.


Longyearbyen, located in Svalbard, Norway, is the northernmost settlement in the world with a permanent population. This small town is home to a stunning landscape, rich history, and unique culture. As a travel destination, Longyearbyen offers a variety of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and local delicacies. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best things to do in Longyearbyen, including where to stay, how to get around, and local customs and culture.

Introduction to Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is situated in the Arctic Ocean, in Svalbard, Norway. With a population of around 2,100 people, it is the largest settlement in Svalbard and serves as the administrative center of the archipelago. The town was founded in 1906 by the American industrialist John Munroe Longyear and has since become an important center for scientific research, education, and tourism.

List of Places to Visit in Longyearbyen

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Svalbard Museum: A museum that showcases the history and culture of Svalbard, including exhibits on mining, whaling, and Arctic wildlife.
  • Svalbard Church: The northernmost church in the world, built-in 1958, with beautiful stained-glass windows and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Mine 3: A former coal mine that now offers guided tours, giving visitors an insight into Longyearbyen’s mining history.

Natural Attractions of Longyearbyen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Gruvebadet: A popular outdoor swimming pool that is heated by the town’s power plant using geothermal energy.
  • Nordenskiöldtoppen: The highest peak in the Longyearbyen area, offering stunning snow-capped views and a great location for hiking.
  • Adventdalen Valley: A beautiful valley with diverse wildlife, including reindeer and polar foxes, that can be enjoyed through hiking, skiing, or a guided tour.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen offers a variety of hiking and biking routes, that lead visitors to the town’s scenic areas, stunning fjords, and glaciers. Some popular routes include:

  • Hiorthfjellet: A scenic hike that starts from the town’s outskirts, leads visitors to the top of a mountain with a panoramic view of the fjords.
  • Mine 7: A biking route that takes visitors through the town’s coal mines, and leads them to the abandoned Russian mining settlement of Pyramiden.
  • Adventdalen Valley: A stunning valley that offers several hiking routes and a great location for bird watching.

Best Things to Do in Longyearbyen: Activities and Tours

  • Dog Sledding: An activity that allows visitors to experience the traditional mode of transportation in the Arctic region, and to explore the town’s scenic areas.
  • Northern Lights Hunting: A tour that takes visitors to the outskirts of Longyearbyen, away from the town’s light pollution, to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.
  • Snowmobiling: An activity that gives visitors the opportunity to explore Longyearbyen’s snow-covered landscape, and to visit the town’s far-flung areas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Longyearbyen

Day 1: Visit Svalbard Museum and Svalbard Church Day 2: Hike to the top of Hiorthfjellet and enjoy a panoramic view of the fjords Day 3: Enjoy a dog sledding tour and explore the town’s scenic areas Day 4: Visit Mine 3 and learn about the town’s mining history Day 5: Experience the Northern Lights Hunting tour and catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis Day 6: Take a snowmobiling tour to explore the town’s snow-covered landscape Day 7: Relax at Gruvebadet, the town’s geothermally heated outdoor swimming pool

Food and Drink Scene of Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen offers a unique food and drink scene that includes local delicacies and international cuisine. Some must-try dishes and local beverages are:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Svalbard reindeer: A dish made with local reindeer meat, served with berry sauce, and mashed potatoes.
  • Arctic char: A fish dish caught in the local fjords and served with lemon and local potatoes.
  • Krumkake: A traditional Norwegian sweet that is made with a waffle iron and served with whipped cream.

Local Beverages

  • Svalbard Beer: A local beer that is brewed in Longyearbyen and served in many of the town’s bars and restaurants.
  • Brennivin: A traditional Icelandic schnapps made from potato mash and caraway seeds.

Where to Stay in Longyearbyen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Longyearbyen caters to a variety of travelers with different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular accommodation options include:

  • Radisson Blu Polar Hotel: A luxury hotel with a great location, stunning views, and a spacious wellness center.
  • Basecamp Hotel: A hotel that offers a unique cabin-like experience, with a cozy atmosphere and wooden furnishings.
  • Svalbard Lodge: A guesthouse that offers a more affordable accommodation option, with comfortable rooms and a great location.

What to Buy in Longyearbyen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Longyearbyen is known for its unique souvenirs and local products that are often made by the town’s residents. Some popular items include:

  • Polar Bear Products: Products made from the town’s most famous inhabitant, including polar bear rugs, stuffed animals, and hats.
  • Local Artifacts: Items made by local artisans, including handicrafts, jewelry, and pottery.
  • Svalbard Museum Shop: A shop that offers a variety of gifts, including books, souvenirs, and local products.

Local Culture and Customs of Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen has a unique culture that is influenced by its Arctic location and its history as a mining town. Some local customs and culture to keep in mind when visiting include:

  • Dressing appropriately for the cold weather and harsh winter conditions.
  • Respecting the local wildlife and following guidelines to prevent disturbing their natural habitats.
  • Being mindful of the town’s history and cultural heritage, and showing respect for the local residents.

Best Time to Visit Longyearbyen

The best time to visit Longyearbyen is during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is mild, and the sun shines 24 hours a day. However, those interested in winter sports and activities like dog sledding and snowmobiling may prefer to visit during the winter months from November to April.

Do’s and Don’ts of Longyearbyen

Do:

  • Dress appropriately for the cold weather and harsh winter conditions.
  • Respect the local wildlife, and follow guidelines to prevent disturbing their natural habitats.
  • Be mindful of the town’s history and cultural heritage, and show respect for the local residents.

Don’t:

  • Bring firearms or ammunition into the town, as it is strictly prohibited.
  • Venture too far into the wilderness alone, as the Arctic terrain can be dangerous and unpredictable.
  • Litter or leave trash behind, as Longyearbyen is dedicated to preserving its natural environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is generally a safe town, and visitors are unlikely to encounter any serious safety concerns. However, visitors should take precautions to ensure their safety, including dressing appropriately for the weather and following guidelines for outdoor activities.

Health in Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen has a modern health infrastructure, with several hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies available to visitors. However, visitors should still take precautions to ensure their health, including ensuring they have the necessary vaccinations and travel insurance.

Getting to Longyearbyen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Longyearbyen is a remote town, located in the Arctic Ocean, and getting there can be a challenging process. However, there are several transportation options available to visitors, including:

Airports Near Longyearbyen

  • Svalbard Airport: The main airport serving Longyearbyen with daily flights to Norway and other locations in Europe.

Bus Stations Near Longyearbyen

  • There are not many bus services available in Longyearbyen, and most visitors choose to travel by taxi or rental car.

Other Options

  • Boat: Visitors can choose to travel to Longyearbyen by boat, with several cruise companies offering tours of the Arctic region.
  • Snowmobile: During the winter months, visitors can choose to travel to Longyearbyen by snowmobile, with several companies offering guided expeditions.

How to Get Around in Longyearbyen

Longyearbyen is a small town, and most visitors can easily explore it on foot. However, there are several other transportation options available, including:

  • Bicycle: Visitors can rent bicycles to explore the town’s scenic areas and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available for visitors who prefer to take a more comfortable mode of transportation.
  • Rental Car: Visitors who plan to explore the surrounding areas can rent cars from several rental companies in the town.

Where to Go Next from Longyearbyen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Longyearbyen is a great starting point for visitors who want to explore the Arctic region, and there are several nearby destinations and excursions available, including:

  • Pyramiden: An abandoned Russian mining settlement that can be reached by snowmobile or boat tour.
  • Barentsburg: A Russian settlement that can be reached by snowmobile or boat tour and offers visitors a glimpse into Russian culture and history.
  • Arctic Safaris: Tours that offer visitors the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas and see the local wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer, and foxes.

Conclusion

Longyearbyen is a unique travel destination that offers visitors a glimpse into Arctic life, history, and culture. With its stunning landscape, outdoor adventures, local delicacies, and rich history, Longyearbyen is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the Arctic region and experiencing its unique culture and heritage.

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